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Your pinball machine already has a surge suppressor installed, there is a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) inside the metal switch box. This is the exact same thing that will be inside any plug strip you buy. MOVs wear out over time due to spikes. If you want good protection for your games when they are on, replace the MOVs. You can order them from Big Daddy or GPE, get the 130v MOV.
As others have said, there really isn't any fail safe protection from lighting other than unplugging the games.
Quoted from Slate:All pinball machines are direct cut off so when its off its unplugged. The neutral white does not open circut when off but thats connected to ground so it would never enter the house.
Most machines have DPST switches that also cut the neutral when off. Ground is always connected. However, you are missing the point, a direct lightning strike or one very near by will jump over the contacts of a switch. It can jump over a tripped breaker. If the game is unplugged, there is no chance of this happening. Best to unplug.
Quoted from Slate:But in todays household there are a ton of active devices that will be sacraficial to the lightning gods way before it gets to the pinball machines.
Lightning doesn't obey any "Easy sacrificial appliance rules". It is strange how it acts and what it destroys, and it is indiscriminate. Best to unplug during a storm.
Quoted from Slate:So no surge protectors protected any of his pins?
A surge protector is worthless in a nearby lightning strike. It will protect you from a strike further down the grid, but if the pole outside your house is hit, all bets are off. Again, unplug.
Should I say unplug any more? 
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